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GAVI signs deal for diarrhea vax for world's poorest

After last week's rumors about a deal over HPV vaccines, the public-private partnership GAVI Alliance has signed a deal with GlaxoSmithKline ($GSK) and Merck ($MRK) for the rotavirus vaccines Rotateq and Rotarix. The deal cuts the price for the vaccines 67 percent, potentially saving $650 million, and means vaccines for 70 million children in the world's 40 poorest countries by 2016. A GSK spokesperson told Reuters that the company was glad to contribute to efforts against preventable diseases: "Rotavirus vaccine has demonstrated real-world, life-saving impact on reducing deaths. We have a chance here to collaborate in programs designed to protect millions of children." Press release | Article